Robert J. Schreck 15YEARSAWARDED

Robert J. Schreck

recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2009
Awarded Practice Areas
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
Works at
The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys

12 Best Lawyers awards

The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys logo

Biography

Robert J. Schreck is the Managing Attorney of the Buffalo, New York office of The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys. With more than 20 years of experience handling personal injury matters throughout Western New York, his practice focuses on car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall injuries, construction accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death claims, and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs.

As Managing Attorney, Mr. Schreck oversees litigation efforts for the firm in Western New York and works closely with attorneys and staff to help clients receive responsive communication and dedicated legal representation. He represents individuals and families facing serious injuries and significant financial and personal challenges following accidents caused by negligence.

Mr. Schreck earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, graduating Magna Cum Laude. During his time at SUNY Buffalo, he served as the St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Varsity Rowing Coach and was an oarsman with the West Side Rowing Club. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law while also serving as the St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Assistant Varsity Football Coach.

He began his legal career with the Erie County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney, where he represented the interests of crime victims and gained extensive courtroom and trial experience. His time as a prosecutor reinforced his commitment to advocating for individuals and families during difficult periods in their lives.

After leaving the District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Schreck transitioned into personal injury law, where he has spent more than two decades representing injured victims across Western New York. His work includes helping clients pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and long-term disability resulting from serious accidents and injuries.

In 2003, Mr. Schreck joined the law offices of Cellino & Barnes, later continuing with The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys. He handles a wide range of injury claims involving motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, premises liability matters, fatal accidents, and complex litigation involving multiple injured parties.

Mr. Schreck understands the impact a serious injury can have on every aspect of a person’s life. He works with clients and their families to help them navigate the legal process while pursuing compensation available under New York law. His approach emphasizes preparation, communication, and thorough case development.

Outside of his legal practice, Mr. Schreck remains active in the Buffalo and Western New York community. He has served on numerous charitable and nonprofit boards and is a past President of Amherst Youth Hockey and a member of its Hall of Fame. He is also a Lifetime Member of the Western New York Certified Football Officials Association, a former President of the Ronald McDonald House, a past member of the St. Benedict’s Catholic Church Parish Council, and a member of the Erie County Bar Association.

Works at
The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys

12 Best Lawyers awards

The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys logo

Locations

Languages

  • English

Education

  • University of Buffalo Law School, J.D., graduated 1982

Bar Admissions

  • New York, New York State Bar Association

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 for work in:
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Special Focus:
  • Aviation Litigation
Awards:

Q&A

My practice focuses on representing individuals and families who have been injured due to another party’s negligence. I handle a broad range of personal injury matters, including car and truck accidents, motorcycle and pedestrian accidents, construction accidents, premises liability claims, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death cases.

I began my legal career as a prosecutor in the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, where I built a strong foundation in trial advocacy and worked closely with victims of crime. I later transitioned into personal injury law because it gave me the opportunity to combine courtroom experience with the ability to help people facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

For more than twenty years, I’ve represented injured individuals and families throughout Western New York. As Managing Attorney of New York State, I work closely with our attorneys and legal staff to help ensure clients receive responsive communication, individualized attention, and thoughtful representation throughout every stage of their case.

Do I have a case? That is often one of the first questions people ask. Every situation is different, so we begin by reviewing how the accident occurred, who may have been responsible, the injuries involved, and the evidence available. From there, we help clients understand the legal options that may be available based on the specific facts of their case.

What is my case worth? There is rarely a simple answer at the start of a case. It is important to understand the full extent of the injuries and how they have affected the client’s life. Medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, long-term limitations, insurance coverage, and the circumstances surrounding the accident can all factor into the value of a claim.

How long will my case take? The timeline depends on the circumstances of the case. Some matters are resolved through negotiations, while others require litigation and possibly trial. I work to provide clients with realistic expectations and keep them informed throughout the process so they understand what is happening at each stage of the case.

What happens if I can’t work because of my injuries? This is often one of the biggest concerns for injured individuals and their families. When someone cannot work, the financial impact may extend far beyond medical bills. Part of our role is to fully understand and document how the injury has affected the client financially, physically, and personally.

Will my case go to trial? Not every personal injury case goes to trial, but courtroom experience can be important when litigation becomes necessary. My background as a prosecutor provided substantial courtroom experience, and I have continued to build on that experience throughout my personal injury practice.

One of the most challenging aspects of personal injury law is meeting people during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. A serious injury can affect far more than a person’s physical health. It may impact their ability to work, support their family, take part in activities they once enjoyed, and make plans for the future.

There is no way to undo what has happened, particularly when a client or family is facing a catastrophic injury or the loss of a loved one. What we can do is take the time to understand the full impact of that loss, pursue the legal remedies available, and help ease some of the financial uncertainty a family may be experiencing.

That responsibility is something I take very seriously, and it is one of the reasons I have remained committed to practicing personal injury law for more than 20 years.

Western New York has always been an important part of my life and career. I attended the University at Buffalo for both my undergraduate education and law degree, began my legal career in the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, and have spent much of my professional life representing individuals and families throughout this community.

Community involvement has also long been important to me. Over the years, I’ve worked with organizations including Hospice and Palliative Care of Buffalo, West Buffalo Charter School, Amherst Youth Hockey, and the Western New York Certified Football Officials Association.

Whether I’m working with a client or serving the community, I believe in being prepared, responsive, and mindful of the trust people place in me. For many clients, this is their first experience working with an attorney, and I strive to help them feel informed, supported, and comfortable throughout the legal process.

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